Physics
Physics Department
HoD: Mrs W Chambers
Subjects Offered
Physics GCSE
Physics A Level (CCEA Modular)
Physics is a course that is relevant not only to the fields of science and engineering, but also is highly regarded in the many areas of commerce and public service that value problem-solving and practical skills.
All the technology that surrounds us is based on the principles of physics, so if you are considering working in any area related to technology, from music to medicine, or lasers to law, studying physics is an excellent first step.
Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries and apply logical processes.
Within RSD at all levels in Physics each topic studied will be tested at the end of each topic and in examination settings in December/ January and June. There will be systematic assessment throughout each topic to help identify and enable improvement opportunities prior to testing. Comprehensive revision resources will also be provided to support examination preparation.
Curriculum
In our scheme of study with Year 10 we work hard to develop skills essential at GCSE such as equation manipulation, data analysis, extended writing and planning. We embed these skills in the topics of:
- Pressure
- Light
- Speed
- Motion Graphs
- Sound
- Hearing
Year 11 pupils study the topics of:
- Motion
- Forces
- Moments
- Energy
- Density
- Kinetic Theory
- Radioactivity
- Nuclear Fission and Fusion.
Year 12 pupils study the topics of:
- Waves
- Light
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism
- Space Physics.
Many practical activities are embedded across the range of Year 11 & 12 topics as preparation for the practical examination.
Pupils will sit the actual GCSE at the end of Year 12 where there will be a Unit 1 paper (Year 11 work), a unit 2 paper and a practical examination.
Trips
Y12 visit Armagh Planetarium each year to explore ‘The Mystery of the Christmas Star’ and Year 11 also avail of opportunities that support the specification such as ‘The Physics of martial Arts’.
AS Level
In the AS units pupils focus on forces, energy and electricity in AS1 and waves, photons and astronomy in AS2. Pupils carry out many class practicals and also independent practicals throughout the course, both to support theoretical learning and in preparation for the practical examination. Pupils will complete 3 written examinations: AS(1), AS(2) and a Data Analysis paper along with a Practical examination in May/ June.
In Year 13 there is also the opportunity to take part in an Engineering opportunity alongside Sentinus, Mallaghan Engineering and University of Ulster or QUB. Usually 10 pupils take part in this and all have historically achieved the prestigious Gold Crest Award. Pupils also have the opportunity to attend Civilisation Belfast, run by QUB Engineering Department.
A2 Level
In the A2 units pupils focus on deformation of solids, thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations and atomic and nuclear Physics in A2(1); and fields, capacitors and particle Physics in A2(2). They investigate the deformation of solids under the action of a force and consider important engineering consequences. Students use the kinetic model to explain the behaviour of gases. They also undertake a practical investigation of the concept of heat capacity and one aspect of heat flow. They explore atomic and nuclear physics and study models and the instability of nuclides, leading to important social and economic considerations for modern society.
As with AS Physics, pupils carry out many class and independent practicals throughout the course, both to support theoretical learning and in preparation for the practical examination.
Pupils will complete 3 written examinations: A2(1), A2(2) and a Data Analysis paper along with a Practical examination in May/ June.
Physics News Articles
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